Maceo Parker Talks Back

Maceo Parker Talks Back

- John Wirt

Maceo Parker, the maestro of funky saxophone, spent much of his career as a high-profile sideman. On stage, he shared the spotlight with James Brown, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and Prince.

In the studio, Parker’s solos can be heard in Brown’s classic soul hits “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),”

Maceo Parker

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Friday, February 9

“Sex Machine” and “Cold Sweat.” His other collaborators include Ani DiFranco, Ray Charles, James Taylor, De La Soul, Dave Matthews Band, Keith Richards, Bryan Ferry, Living Colour, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Deee-Lite.

Turning 75 on Valentine’s Day, Parker continues to be a bundle of creative energy, spreading his philosophy of universal love as he tours the world. And he’s thrilled to be the grandfather of his 1-year-old grandson, Ayden.

Although Parker never really stood in the shadows of the stars he worked with, he officially stepped out as front man in the early 1990s. Releasing three albums in three years— 1990’s Roots Revisited, ’91’s Mo’ Roots and ’92’s Life on Planet Groove—the saxophonist established his signature “2 percent jazz, 98 percent funky stuff” brand. In 2013, Parker published his autobiography, 98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music. His new album, It’s All About Love, will be released March 3.